Animal Welfare Abstracts
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Social Interactions and Feeding Competition in Rio Sao Francisco Piranhas at Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo
Ron Oldfield, Case Western Reserve University Full Abstract
To explore whether aggressive interactions might have caused reduced welfare and death in some Rio Sao Francisco Piranhas (Pygocentrus piraya) at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, we analyzed 24 video recordings. DLTdv7 software showed that individuals maintained consistent territories. Individuals were organized in a linear dominance hierarchy, and higher-ranked individuals performed more aggressive bouts and fewer escapes than lower-ranked individuals. Higher-ranked individuals also spent more time behaving aggressively and less time escaping than lower-ranked individuals. We also analyzed 23 videos recorded during feeding and found dominance rank was associated with amount of food consumed. Finally, casual observations indicated increased swimming after one individual was moved to a much larger, multispecies aquarium. Our data suggest that territoriality and aggression may have been elicited by limited available space, as predicted by resource defense theory. Welfare of Rio Sao Francisco piranhas, and other species, might improve in larger enclosures. |
Visualizing Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus) Space Use in Aquariums Using ZooMonitor and ArcGIS
Nancy Kim Pham Ho, New College of Florida Full Abstract
Determining how animals move within their environment is fundamental knowledge that contributes to effective management and conservation. In the case of the sand tiger shark (STS), telemetry studies have been conducted on coastal waters, but STS habitat use in human care is poorly understood. This collaborative study across four aquariums used a software program called ZooMonitorTM to record spatial use patterns of 15 STS’s during one year to date. Shark location in the habitat was analyzed by ArcGIS. Heat maps revealed patterns of strong avoidance between two males at one aquarium, which contrasted with heavy spatial overlap by a third male. Heavy use of the habitat perimeter was observed at one facility while many sharks at other facilities preferred interior habitat space. Interior habitat use by several sharks occurred in preferred core areas. This data can shed light on STS social dynamics and habitat preferences. |
What's YOUR Welfare Score? Using aquarium-specific welfare assessments to meet AZA standards and generate useful data
Sarah Sprague, SEA LIFE Michigan Full Abstract
AZA welfare standard 1.5 requires that facilities put into place a welfare assessment process that includes both proactive and reactive components. In response, SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium developed a welfare assessment tool specific to the aquarium environment called Aquatic Welfare Audits (AWA). As a result of each quarterly audit, numerical welfare scores are generated for each tank, or welfare group within a tank. This score determines whether or not action is required to improve any identified deficiencies in welfare conditions. The assessment process uses robust welfare criteria and observation guidelines, while not demanding a significant time commitment or generating unnecessary paperwork. Results are presented in an easy‐to‐access format, which acts as a database that can be directly applied to husbandry decisions. By creating a tool that is both comprehensive and user‐friendly, our facility has found a practical way to apply AZA welfare monitoring standards to the aquarium environment. |
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Elasmo‐Ethology: Data‐driven Behavior Management
Zac Reynolds, SEA LIFE Michigan Full Abstract
As behavioral husbandry continues to be a growing focus to those caring for aquatic animals, so does the interest to make evidence‐based decisions on training and enrichment. Through a novel program, Sea Life Michigan Aquarium has partnered with local Oakland University to allow student researchers the opportunity to assist husbandry staff by collecting behavioral data on Sea Life Michigan’s elasmobranch population. Using ZooMonitor, behavior budgets and heat maps are generated, which allow aquarists to have a more detailed understanding of the behaviors displayed and locations frequented by sharks and rays in this mixed species exhibit. This information is applied when identifying and planning behavior modification needs. Goals of this project include using an animal’s use of exhibit space as one metric of welfare, introducing enrichment to encourage species‐specific behavior, and providing a platform for students in the community to participate in research. |